Communication Architectures Modeling and Analysis Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Communication Architectures Modeling and Analysis Engineer for the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD).  Position will be full-time, onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA.

At MPD, we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

Job Summary

CAD has three main lines of work: the department performs trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize the overall communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems. CAD also guides the development of spectrum regulations and policies to assure critical wireless systems have access to necessary spectrum resources. Finally, we are actively engaged in the development of RF communications prototypes, especially those involving commercial LEO satellite systems.​ 

​​What You’ll Be Doing​ 

• ​​Provide technical analyses in support of terrestrial and space-based communication systems, including latest-generation cellular and commercial pLEO

• ​Developing working prototypes leveraging these systems and novel hardware to demonstrate capability improvements 

• ​Help assess the performance of satellite and ground systems, communication links, and wireless network protocols 

• ​Document work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues 

• ​Opportunities to propose and carry out internal R&D projects, engage in field work, and publish in conferences and journals​ 

What You Need to be Successful  

• ​​Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field from an accredited university, pursuing or conferring within 12 months. 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0, transcripts required
• 0-1 year of industry work experience  

• Proficiency programming in Python, C++, C, or similar 

• Strong working knowledge and/or research experience relevant to wireless communications principles and signal processing techniques 
• Proficiency with version control systems (e.g., Git, Bitbucket)  and Linux environments

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

 It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field
• Ability to lead teams, manage projects and deliver technical solutions
• Practical familiarity with the following:
  • Network traffic modeling and analysis 
  • Developing and training AI/ML models, especially in the context of RF or network traffic data
  • Docker
  • CI/CD pipelines such as Jenkins
• Active security clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$81,700.00 - $175,400.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.